Pennywort
Obolaria virginica
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
3"–6" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 17 more states
Pennywort is a rare, diminutive native wildflower that grows as a small groundcover in shaded woodland areas. This unusual plant produces tiny white to purplish flowers in early spring and has a parasitic relationship with tree roots, making it challenging to cultivate outside its natural habitat.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pennywort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely small and inconspicuous appearance
- Very difficult to establish and maintain
- May appear absent or dead for long periods
Wildlife value
Due to its rarity and specialized growing requirements, this plant has limited documented wildlife value in typical garden settings.
Common questions
- How much sun does Pennywort need?
- Pennywort grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Pennywort bloom?
- Pennywort blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Pennywort native?
- Pennywort (Obolaria virginica) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 17 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Pennywort HOA-friendly?
- Pennywort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Pennywort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz